Blessings on Shannon and Erin

Red Run News -- February 25, 2007

This morning we dedicated two little girls to God -- Shannon Marie Lafferty, daughter of Glen and Glenda, and Erin Liana Hostetter, daughter of Randy and JoAnne. Kevin Weaver led the parents and the congregation in making a commitment to direct these young lives into the paths of God. Wes Nolt led us in singing, and the choir added "Walk in Love" and "Children of the Heavenly Father." The children gathered at the front of the auditorium where Julia Sensenig presented a flannelgraph lesson about the little children coming to Jesus and receiving a blessing from him. We prayed especially for Thalia, a child close to the Marvin and Ellen Martin family.

David Erb led the men's class in a discussion of what it means to remain in Jesus and to love each other. We closed on the thought that we can care for each other in view of the many different kinds of needs we may have.

We had many visitors today. Larry Martin, father of JoAnne Hostetter and a minister at the Green Terrace congregation, preached on sanctification, being set apart for God's special purposes. God has chosen us to be saved, to be set apart, to be sent, and to be delivered from evil. "It is God's will that you should be sanctified" (1 Thessalonians 4:3a).

New Book Available

Red Run News -- February 18, 2007

Stir me, O stir me, Lord, for I can see
The glorious triumph day begin to break:
The dawn already gilds the eastern sky.
O church of Christ, arise! awake! awake!
Stir us, Lord, as heralds of the day;
The night is past, the king is on His way.
(by Bessie Porter Head)

In the men's class, teacher Tim Martin encouraged discussion on the Sunday School lesson about the conversation that Jesus held with his disciples (John 14). We looked especially at the conversation that Jesus had with Thomas and Philip. Tim also gave some additional information on those two disciples.

David Erb played prelude music on the guitar, and then Randy Hostetter led us in singing hymns. Both selected some of the great hymns of praise "Praise to God, Immortal Praise," "I'll Praise My Maker," "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," "Brethren, We Have Met to Worship." (Later, Pastor Carl read from Psalm 84 in a challenge for us to worship God.)

Ken Sensenig led the prayer and announcement time. We prayed for those persons involved in conversation between religious leaders from both the United States and Iran. We prayed for our missionaries in East Africa. Pastor Kevin and Letitia Weaver sent greetings from Ireland. (I'll forward those greetings to those receiving the Red Run News.)

Called of God: The Mennonite Churches of Reading, Pennsylvania has now been printed. Written by J. Carl Sensenig assisted by Luke L. Horst, the book will be formally released on Saturday, March 31, at the Bowmansville Mennonite Church at a drop-in beginning at 3 p.m. However, if you see Carl or Luke, you can buy a book before that time. (Or you can stop by Gehmans Mennonite School during a regular school day.) The price is $12.

Pastor Carl preached on "The Open Door" (Revelation 3: 7-13). In the Old Testament, we read of Eliakim, who was a faithful doorkeeper. God gave to him the key to the house of David. "What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." These words are applied to the Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 3. Jesus is the door to salvation. Jesus is the door into a wonderful world where love and forgiveness prevail. Jesus opens the door of opportunity to declare the good news to all.

The new music room

Red Run News -- February 11, 2007

Glenda Lafferty opened our church service by leading us in hymns about trust in the Lord Jesus. This was a good follow-up to the Sunday School lesson which included the words of Jesus, "He who believes in me will live even though he dies." Esther Martin directed our prayer and sharing time. We prayed for Esther's niece. We also prayed for Kevin and Letitia Weaver who will travel to Ireland this week to visit Letitia's sister and her family.

Melvin Weaver preached on the message to the church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-21). Hot water is good to make tea or coffee. Cold water is good for a refreshing drink. Lukewarm water is not a desirable drink. The church at Laodicea was lukewarm. This sermon called us to be earnest and firm in the Christian faith, hospitable towards others, wise in the use of material goods, and open to the knock of Jesus on the door of our hearts. The choir closed the service with the hymn "Blessed Redeemer."

This is your invitation to visti the new music room in the basement. This mornig the children sang in the room before going to their Sunday School class. The room was decorated by Joyce Sauder and Julia Sensenig.

Wake Up!

February 4, 2007

Bob Sauder taught the Sunday school lesson from John 10 -- the Good Shepherd. Later, Bob led us in "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" and other songs of God's care and protection. David Erb played "Who Is a Pardoning God Like Thee?" on the piano. The choir sang "Jesus, From Whom All Blessings Flow."

Tim Martin directed the time of offering, announcements, and prayer. Tim noted that we should mark June 2 on the calendar as the date for the pastor appreciation picnic at the Terre Hill Park. Sarah Horning came to church this morning with niece Jenny and Avery Copenhaver and their four children. We acknowledged the death this past week of H. Paul Good, father of the late Ezra Good. (Ezra was the huband of Esie Good of our congregation.)

Ken Sensenig told us about meetings planned between religious leaders from both the United States and Iran. Mennonite leaders are involved in this dialogue.

Ken Sensenig preached on the message to Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6). The church at Sardis appeared to be alive but actually it was dead. The call of Jesus to Sardis was to "Wake up!" In conclusion, Ken offered three thoughts. We should be courageous enough to assess ourselves. (Here Ken related this week's news story of the police officer who fined himself.) People look on the outside, but God sees the heart. The way of Jesus is superior to the way of the emperor or any other earthly power.

On Thursday this past week, Rhoda Nolt organized a group of women to meet at the church to cut old jeans into pieces to be used for comforters.

On February 25, we are planning for a child dedication service followed by a fellowship meal. Stewardship University will be held on Saturday, March 3, at Lancaster Mennonite School with many seminars on finances, health, and other important life issues. See the brochures or talk to Paul Gehman for details. Our congregation is committed to assisting with the fees for those who want to attend this event.